The Head of State signs a Decree on the Working Group for reauthorization of governmental departments The Working Group will be headed by Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan. It is composed of representatives of the Parliament, the Government, the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan and other state bodies as well as representatives of the legal community and the scientific and expert community. Source: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Meeting with “Baiterek” National Holding Board Chairman Yerbolat Dosayev During the meeting the Head of State was presented a report on the activity results of the holding company for 2016 and a vision of its future development. In his report E.Dosayev noted that the preliminary figures indicate the excess of the company’s assets by 4 trillion 100 billion tenge, and the net profit amounts to 30 billion tenge. Also the “Baiterek” National Holding Board Chairman informed the President on the work of “Development Bank of Kazakhstan “JSC and the plans for changes in the holding company’s development strategy, taking into account the economic situation in the country and the National Bank’s new monetary policy. Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized the company’s part in implementation of important projects for the country’s economy. – The original task of the holding had been financing of large-scale projects. But during the downfall in the economy “Baiterek” had been given a wide variety of additional orders. In that connection currently it is necessary to define the strategic outlook of its further activity, the President of Kazakhstan said. Following the meeting the Head of State has given a number of specific instructions. Source: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc New Astana railway station to be commissioned in May 2017 The First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin chaired today a retreat meeting focused on constructing the new Astana railway station and developing the railway junction. According to the head of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy K.Alpysbayev, the works are completed by 80% as for today. Completed by now works include concrete works, metal frame building, roofing, cladding facades of the heated part of the building, central heating. The approach railway overpass has now the installed metal spans; bearings and metal structures of soundproofing screen are soon to be mounted, the top of the device path is being installed. Installation and commissioning of elevators and escalators in the station building, landscaping and finishing works will be completed by May 1, 2017. Deputy akim of Astana K.Aitmukhametov reported on constructing the roads and engineering services in the area of new railway station. Among the reporting were also the heads of subcontract organizations on construction and installation works, activities of new railway stations operation service. Construction of the station with capacity of 35,000 passengers a day involves about 1,150 people. Closing the meeting, the First Deputy Prime Minister A.Mamin gave a number of specific instructions on the construction works. He stressed the importance of timely commissioning on the threshold of EXPO 2017. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Policy address by President of Kazakhstan presented at UN Security Council debates January 10, 2017, Kazakhstan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the first time participated in its open debate on “Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping”. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov presented the policy address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev on “Kazakhstans Concept Vision on Sustaining Global Partnership for Secure, Just and Prosperous World.” Participating in the meeting in New York were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers of Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Japan, permanent representatives of Russia, China, the United States to the UN and other UN Member States. The Security Council Members and representatives of a wide range of the UN countries stated their national priorities in conflict prevention and peacekeeping and expressed support for the work of new Secretary-General on the priority areas of the international organization. In the course of the debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan presented the policy address by the Head of State to mark the beginning of Kazakhstans term as non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2017-2018. K.Abdrakhmanov emphasized that the address was based on the Manifesto of the Head of State “The World. The 21st Century” of March 31, 2016, and developed it creatively. As is known, Presidents policy document, presented at IV Nuclear Security Summit, focuses on the need for joint efforts and cooperation to strengthen international peace and security and sets a goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons by the UNs 100th anniversary, as well as eliminating the threat of wars and conflicts while ensuring the strong connection between peace, security and development. As noted in the address, “Kazakhstan will work in a balanced and unbiased manner on the Councils entire agenda keeping in mind the paramount importance of maintaining and strengthening peace and security.” According to the President N.Nazarbayev, Astana intends “to work on an equal basis with all Security Council Members to promote compromise and consensus to strengthen international peace and security”. In this regard, the address identifies Kazakhstans priorities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. They include building a nuclear-weapon-free world, eliminating the threat of a global war, promoting peace in Afghanistan, creating a regional peace zone in Central Asia, elaborating Astana Code of Conduct for International Anti-Terrorist Operations within the framework of efforts on creating Global Antiterrorist Coalition (network) under the auspices of the United Nations, fostering peace in Africa, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the strong connection between peace, security and development, adapting the United Nations to the needs of the 21st century and holding regular Security Council meetings at the level of Heads of State and Government in order to strengthen the collective political will to address global challenges. As the Head of State highlighted in the address, “Kazakhstan counts on support from partners for its initiatives which have the important goal of making the world in the 21st century safer, fairer and more prosperous”. The Kazakhstan side also drew attention of the debaters to the importance of joint efforts in preventing diplomacy, promoting confidence-building measures, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conflict resolution and combating international terrorism. Kazakhstan reiterated again the readiness to provide a platform for the negotiations in Astana to establish peace in Syria. The address by the President of Kazakhstan was commended by the meeting participants; moreover, it was decided to register it as an official document of the UN Security Council. The foreign ministers visit program also included meeting with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where the sides discussed topical issues of Astanas membership in the Security Council and the comprehensive agenda of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States, including attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Deputy mayor of Astana K.Aitmukhametov reported on the progress of road construction and engineering services in the area of the new railway station of the capital,. ? Kazakhstan proposes to hold regular Head-of-State-level UN Security Council meetings On Kazakhstans proposal to hold once or twice a year the meetings of UN Security Council at the level of the Heads of State and Government Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev informed at the CCS briefing. “Kazakhstan has for the first time taken part in the open debate of UN Security Council on “Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping” held in New York, where has been presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The Minister presented the policy address by President N. Nazarbayev “Kazakhstans Concept Vision on Sustaining Global Partnership for Secure, Just and Prosperous World,” Y.Ashikbayev said. The policy address identified seven Kazakhstans priorities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. They include building a nuclear-weapon-free world, eliminating the threat of a global war, creating in the Central Asia a regional zone of peace, safety, cooperation and development, combatting international terrorism and violent extremism, fostering peace in Africa, joint efforts in eliminating the threat of wars and conflicts, human protection and promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, combatting climate change, expanding cooperation between the regional organizations of collective security in Europe and America, Asia and Africa. Y.Ashikbayev also informed on the proposal to hold regular Security Council meetings at the level of Heads of State and Government, which was commended by the meeting participants. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc The new railway station in Astana to be commissioned in May 2017 ________________________________________ All rights reserved. Any use of the materials published on www.primeminister.kz for any purpose except personal needs is possible only with placing a hyperlink to the primeminister.kz website as the source. Reproducing primeminister.kz materials: – in print or other forms of tangible media – paper, film, etc., the user must quote www.primeminister.kz as the source in each case; – in the Internet or other electronic forms, the user must place a hyperlink to the website of the Prime Minister of the RK – www.primeminister.kz. The head of JSC “NC”Kazakhstan Temir Zholy “K.Alpysbayev reported on the implementation of these projects. He said that the readiness of the railway station and railway junction Astana is 80% for today. Currently, concrete works, metal frame building device, roofing, cladding facades of the heated part of the building, running central heating have been fully completed. Metal spans device on the approach of the railway viaduct was completed; the installation of bearings and metal structures of soundproofing screen at the stage of completion; the top structure of the device path is under construction. 90% of the station plating cornices was completed, works on the facades of the unheated station, installation of ventilation systems, external power supply will be finished soon. Finishing work inside the station building is in full swing. It is planned to complete the installation and commissioning of elevators and escalators in the station, landscaping and landscaping by May 1, 2017. Source: The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Zczc The political appeal of the President of Kazakhstan presented at the UN Security Council’s debate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov presented the political appeal of Pthe resident Nursultan Nazarbayev “Kazakhstan’s conceptual vision of strengthening the global partnership for building a safe, just and prosperous world.” The event in New York was attended by UN Guterres Secretary-General, the foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers of Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Ethiopia, Great Britain and Japan, the Permanent Representatives to the UN, Russia, China, United States and other UN member states. The members of the Security Council and representatives of a wide range of UN member states expressed their national priorities in the areas of conflict prevention and peace preservation and supported the work of the new Secretary General to these priority areas of the worldwide organization. During the debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced the political appeal of Head of State on the occasion of the start of Kazakhstan’s authority as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2017-2018. ________________________________________ All rights reserved. Any use of the materials published on www.primeminister.kz for any purpose except personal needs is possible only with placing a hyperlink to the primeminister.kz website as the source. Reproducing primeminister.kz materials: – in print or other forms of tangible media – paper, film, etc., the user must quote www.primeminister.kz as the source in each case; – in the Internet or other electronic forms, the user must place a hyperlink to the website of the Prime Minister of the RK – www.primeminister.kz. Source: The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Zczc Ethno-festival to be held during Universiade in Almaty In honor of the 28th World Winter Universiade in 2017, in the period from January 20 to February 10 theaters, concert halls, museums and libraries, the sports facilities of the city will hold cultural events. The most extensive program will be presented by the city theaters: State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Abai and the State Academic Russian Drama Theatre named after M. Lermontov. There will be an evening of organ music led by Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan G. Nesipbaev at the Kazakh State Philharmonic named after Zhambyl; the concert of the State Brass Orchestra of Kazakhstan by winners of international competitions Zhanar Suleymanova, Amir Bisengaliyev and others. The “Alatau” theater will open an ethno-festival “Alatau alabynda” on January 29. It is planned to install the pavilions, a yurt, to hold an exhibition of artisans and present to the national cuisine. Libraries and museums will host exhibitions, a virtual slide travel, sport events, as well as meetings with representatives of the athletes and the sports industry. The exhibitions and master classes: “Children unite the world” (Halyk Arena, Almaty Arena, the Palace of Sports named after Baluan Sholak, square in front of the Palace of the Republic); “Creativity unites the world” (Halyk Arena, Arena Almaty); retrospective and open-air exhibition of works “Sport unites the world” (in all sports facilities); “Moments of the Universiade” (Universiade objects, New Almaty Museum). Daily concerts of traditional music will be performed in “Alatau” theater. The special circus program devoted to the 28th World Winter Universiade 2017 will be held from January 29 to February 8 at the Kazakh State Circus, and on February 10 the Palace of the Republic will host a concert “Zhan Dosim” dedicated to Honored creativity of the Kazakh culture figure Seydolla Baiterekov. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Astana-Shchuchinsk toll road collected kzt 1, 251 bn in 2016 The national company noted that it was planned to collect 1 billion 144 million tenge. The target was exceeded by 107 million tenge. All funds raised were directed to the content of the site and the modernization of toll collection systems. Total traffic volume of vehicles amounted to 2.697 million units in 2016. In comparison with 2015, the intensity of the flow increased by 4.3%. The main expenditure of the Directorate of toll roads goes to the purchase of materials, wages, spare parts, fuel, depreciation, services and repair of machines and equipment. As for the maintenance and repair in 2016 the roads were repaired at 1 billion 165 million tenge. Of these, the maintenance charging system – 278 million 935 thousand tenge, the maintenance and repair of roads – 886 724 552 tenge. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Contests for fashion designers sewing for disabled to be held in Kazakhstan – Khudova Association of Light Industry Enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan started the project “Adaptive Clothing and Shoes” – domestic designed and made clothes for people with disabilities”, – said L. Khudova. As she explained, Kazakhstan has no experience of mass production of clothing for people with disabilities. “Specially designed clothes are necessary for people using a wheelchair, having cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, survived the amputation, people of small stature, the blind and visually impaired people, elderly people and everybody who is limited in mobility”, – said the President of the Association of Light industry enterprises. These products for people with disabilities are made of soft, elastic knitted fabric material ensuring comfort, convenient movement. It is also designed using special parts and assemblies for easy dressing and removal of clothing. She noted that in the framework of the signed Memorandum of Cooperation, it is also planned to develop and hold the exhibitions and fairs and festival activities. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Shymkent refinery produced more than 1 mln tons of gasoline in 2016 As “NC “KazMunayGas” JSC reports, in 2016 it was planned to process 4,444,623 tons. The target exceed amounted to 101.28%. For comparison, in 2015, the PKOP LLP processed 4,493,312 tons of crude oil. 1,032,015 tons of motor gasoline was produced, it is 103.26% of the plan, diesel fuel – 1,203,445 tons, it is 101.16% of the targets. “PetroKazakhstan Oil Products” LLP increased the efficiency of production processes in 2016 in order to increase the produced light oil. It should also be noted that non-stop primary production at the plant is actively continuing work to implement the modernization and reconstruction of new factory production lines. ? Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc ? Prices for construction materials grew by 1.7% in 2016 Over the last year, the price index for construction and assembly work amounted to 104.6%, machinery and equipment – 103.4%, other works and costs – 105.8%. There is an increase in prices for materials, components and structures acquired by construction companies – 1.7% over 2016 year. Prices for flat glass increased by 21%, sheet steel – by 10.7%, gravel – by 6.3%, the paint and enamel – by 6.1%, bitumen – by 3.2%, gravel – on 2.9%, linoleum – by 2.6%, timber – by 2.1%, Portland cement – by 1.5%. At the same time, rubber and plastic products have become cheaper by 12.8%, gypsum – by 2.1%, brick – by 1.2%, the cables and concrete goods – by 1.1%. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Date Set For High-Profile Trial Of Kazakh Journalist ASTANA — A Kazakh court has set a date for the high-profile trial of a well-known journalist charged with extorting money from officials. The court in Astana ruled on January 11 that Bigeldy Gabdullin will go on trial on January 17. Gabdullin pleaded guilty at the preliminary hearing on January 11, saying he regretted his deeds. His lawyer Amanzhol Mukhamedyarov asked the judge to drop the charges against his client, saying that he had paid more than $60,000 to the victims. Judge Baghlan Idrisov rejected the request. Gabdullin was arrested in mid-November and charged with extorting cash from state officials by publishing materials damaging their reputations. Gabdullin, 61, became known in the 1990s for his critical articles about President Nursultan Nazarbaev. In the early 2000s, he had to flee the country for the United States in fear for his life. In 2004, Gabdullin changed his political views and returned to Kazakhstan, where he became the editor in chief of the pro-government Central Asia Monitor newspaper. He also founded the Radiotochka.kz online news portal. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Tajikistan Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Participation and speech of Ambassador of Tajikistan to China at the gala event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries On January 10, 2017, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to China P.Davlatzoda participated and made a speech at the gala and culture event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between People Republic of China and Central Asian countries, which was organized by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in government house “Diaoyutai” of Beijing. At the opening ceremony of the event the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the People’s political consultative Council of PRC Mr.Luo Fuhe, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Ms.Lee Syaoling and ambassadors of Central Asian countries in China made a speech. Source: Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Zczc Meeting of the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan with the Chairman of the Council of Research in Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan On January 10, 2017 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Sherali Jononov has met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Professor Muhammad Ashraf, during which the issues related with efficient water resources management have been discussed. Professor Muhammad Ashraf stated that Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly, initiated by the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon. It was noted that the initiative will contribute to the development of water diplomacy and serve as a solid basis for solving the issues of water resources management in the globalized world. The parties have also expressed readiness for strengthening cooperation aimed at adoption of joint efforts for the implementation of the decade. Source: Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Zczc New appointments Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has made new appointments in Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. In accordance with the decrees of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Mirsaidova Dilorom Amonovna in connection with transfer to another job was relieved of her post as Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and instead of her, Langari Jamila Salmon was appointed Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Source: President of Republic of Tajikistan Zczc President Emomali Rahmon Makes New Appointments DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has made new appointments in Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. In accordance with the decrees of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Mirsaidova Dilorom Amonovna in connection with transfer to another job was relieved of her post as Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan,and instead of her, Langari Jamila Salmon was appointed Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. : National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Tajikistan Ambassador to China attended gala event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries ? DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.Ambassador of Tajikistan to China Parviz Davlatzoda participated and made a speech at the gala and culture event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between People Republic of China and Central Asian countries on January 10, MFA Information Department reports. According to the message of the ministry, at the opening ceremony of the event the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the People’s political consultative Council of PRC Mr. Luo Fuhe, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Ms. Lee Syaoling and ambassadors of Central Asian countries in China made a speech. The event was organized by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in government house “Diaoyutai” of Beijing. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.”Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly, initiated by the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon” – it was stated by the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Professor Muhammad Ashraf at his meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Sherali Jononov, on Tuesday January 10. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the MFA Information Department. “During the meeting Professor Muhammad Ashraf has also noted that the initiative will contribute to the development of water diplomacy and serve as a solid basis for solving the issues of water resources management in the globalized world”, – says the message of the ministry. It is reported that the parties have also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation aimed at adoption of joint efforts for the implementation of the decade. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Kazakhstan confirmed readiness to host Syria peace talks DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.Kazakhstan confirms its readiness to host the talks on the Syrian settlement in Astana, the country’s Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov said during the open debate in the UN Security Council on Tuesday. It was reported by TASS citing the statement of the Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry “Once again the Kazakh leadership’s readiness was confirmed to provide a venue for talks in Astana on establishing peace in Syria,” the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The talks on Syria in Astana are scheduled to be held on January 23. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Kerry to make final foreign trip as U.S. Secretary of State DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. John Kerry will make his final foreign trip as U.S. Secretary of State on January 13-18, 2017. In particular within his trip he will travel to Vietnam, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, according to the statement of U.S. Department of State. “On January 13, Kerry will travel to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam, where he will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. The next day Secretary Kerry will arrive in Southern of Vietnam to discuss environmental issues and governance management”, – says statement of U.S. Department of State. It is reported that on January 15, U.S. Secretary of State Kerry will visit Paris to attend a conference on Middle East peace, hosted by French President Francois Hollande. “The Secretary will then travel to London, United Kingdom, on January 16, where he will meet with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. They will discuss the situation in Syria and other global and regional issues”, – adds the statement. Also it is stated that on January 17-18, Secretary Kerry will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF is one of the largest annual gatherings of global leaders in politics, business, and civil society. Recall that Kerry to resign on January 20 together with the administration of President Barack Obama. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc FIFA approves new 48-team format for World Cups starting 2026 DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The FIFA Council unanimously approved at its session on Tuesday in Zurich a new format of participants in the quadrennial World Cup tournaments increasing the number of the national teams from the current number of 32 up to a total of 48. The new format of participation comes into force staring with the 2026 world football championship and stipulates a total of 16 groups with three national teams in each competing for the World Cup trophy TASS reports citing an official statement of FIFA. “World football’s supervisory and strategic body held its third meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 9 and 10 January, and decided on a new tournament format with the 48 national teams split into 16 groups of three,” according to an official statement from FIFA. “The top two teams from each group will then advance to a 32-team knockout stage,” the statement said. “The new 48-team competition format has been drawn up in such a way that there is no reduction in the overall number of rest days and a guaranteed maximum of seven matches for the teams reaching the final, while the current 32-day tournament duration is kept, so as not to increase the length of time for which clubs have to release their players.” The initiative to enlarge the participating format was voiced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino a year ago during his election campaign, but he initially proposed the number of 40 national teams. The next two World Cups, which will be held in 2018 in Russia and in 2022 in Qatar, will be organized in line with the previous FIFA regulations stipulating a participating format of 32 national teams. iran Tillerson Backs ‘Full Review’ Of Iran Nuclear Deal ? U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state says he supports a “full review” of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which the incoming president has previously pledged to renegotiate or scrap altogether. Former ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson said during a January 11 confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he would recommend such a review if he is confirmed as Trump’s secretary of state. Trump has been a vocal opponent of the accord, which curbs Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting crippling international sanctions against Tehran. During his campaign, Trump called it a “terrible” deal that only benefited Tehran and that he would “tear it up” if elected. However, he has since said that it would be hard to destroy a deal enshrined in a UN resolution. Tillerson did not reject the deal outright during his testimony, saying he supported tighter monitoring to guarantee that Tehran does not violate the deal. “We need…to examine our ability to clarify whether Iran is complying,” Tillerson told lawmakers. Outgoing President Barack Obama considers the deal one of the hallmark achievements of his eight years in office. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc IranAir Takes Delivery Of First Airbus Passenger Jet The head of IranAir has taken delivery in France of the first Western airliner under an international sanctions deal. The 189-seat A321 was handed over in a January 11 ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. “It’s a new, magnificent chapter and a great day” for ties between Iran and Europe, IranAir Chief Executive Officer Farhad Parvaresh said. Fabrice Bregier, who runs the European planemaker’s jetliner arm, said the “renaissance of Iran aviation sector is one of the most important developments for our industry for many years.” Iran’s flag carrier plans to mark the arrival of its aircraft in Tehran with a ceremony on January 12. The plane is the first of 100 ordered from Airbus following a deal reached in 2015 between Tehran and world powers to lift sanctions against Iran in return for curbs on the country’s nuclear activities. The airline has also ordered 80 aircraft from Boeing. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Iran Officials Vow To Look Into Public’s ‘Jamming’ Fears Officials in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz have pledged to look into suggestions of a link between public health risks and the jamming of communications in the area, after residents took to the streets to complain of ailments that could stem from technology used to block foreign broadcasts. Authorities have acknowledged in the past that jamming takes place in Iran, but no official has ever come forward to assume responsibility for the practice. The officials in Shiraz offered their assurances at a January 9 gathering where dozens of citizens called for action against jamming, which they suspect of causing health problems such as headaches and even cancer. “Jamming is betrayal of the people,” some chanted. Others argued that good health is their “inalienable right.” On January 9, Fars Province Deputy Governor Hadi Pazhuheshi Jahromi said that “because the health of Shiraz’s citizens is of high importance to us,” Shiraz University and its medical-sciences staff have been asked to conduct research on the extent of jamming in the city and its possible impact on public health. Some jamming technology disrupts wireless signals like satellite transmissions or WiFi through the use of electromagnetic currents, which are sometimes blamed by the public for a number of health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded based on scientific literature that “current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields.” ‘Links To Cancer, Infertility’ Recently published conclusions from Shiraz University appear to have contributed to the local concerns, linking electromagnetic currents to cancer, infertility, and immunological disorders. “We are with you, and we promise that we will review the issue of jamming in a precise and scientific manner,” Ayatollah Razmjoo, an adviser to Fars’s governor and the head of the governorate’s international PR office, said, adding, “The issue of jamming has nothing to do with the government.” The health concerns have gained momentum from Persian-language social media posts that claimed the jamming signals had become exponentially stronger, and cited disruptions in mobile communications and television signals in the area. Ali Akbari, a lawmaker from Shiraz, told parliament in an open session earlier this month that the spread of headaches — particularly in the west of the city — has prompted concerns. Akbari complained that no officials were ready to take responsibility for the problems. “Neither the interior minister, the communications minister, nor the health minister is giving a clear answer in this regard, and the jamming signals are spreading headaches and disrupting the mobile network, television, and [creating] environmental problems,” Akbari was quoted as saying by domestic media on January 3. Last month, Deputy Governor Jahromi reportedly dismissed talk of potentially hazardous jamming as “rumors” and urged citizens to ignore it. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union has asserted the duty of states to confront the possible risks to the public of electromagnetic fields, including jamming. As a purportedly heavy user of jamming to combat Western influence and news and other information, Iran has confronted public concerns in the past about its potential impact on health. The Iran Meteorological Organization in 2014 took public its own complaint that jamming devices had crippled its forecasting ability ahead of a deadly dust storm that struck Tehran. Lack Of Clarity Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi said in 2014 that a committee was looking into whether jamming indeed posed a health threat. He also cited widespread “rumors” about jamming’s effects and its consequences on people’s health, adding that “most of the rumors have no scientific basis.” It is unclear whether such a committee issued any findings or even concluded its research. A lack of clarity from Iranian officials would complicate efforts to determine health risks, as experts would need to know the method and extent of such jamming to make a determination. Ali Akbar Musavi, a U.S.-based rights activist and a former lawmaker who investigated jamming in Iran a decade ago, told RFE/RL in 2014 that at that time jamming centers were scattered in and around major cities and operated by “military bodies.” Musavi said Iran jammed satellite signals and used “local jamming,” deploying trucks in specific locations to interfere with reception at ground level. Jamming activities are said to intensify at politically sensitive times, as do campaigns to combat the widespread presence of illegal satellite dishes used to capture foreign news and entertainment broadcasts. Article 33 of a Citizens’ Rights Charter launched recently by President Hassan Rohani states that “Citizens have the right to freely and without discrimination enjoy access to and communicate and obtain information and knowledge from cyberspace.” It adds that the “imposition of any type of restriction (such as filtering, interference, speed reduction and network interruption) without explicit legal authority is prohibited.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Turkmenistan And The Neutrality Trap The Turkmen government has been proudly proclaiming its UN-recognized status as a neutral country for more than 20 years now. Ashgabat’s policy of “positive neutrality” is, since September 2016, even part of the country’s constitution. But the policy is not always positive for Turkmenistan, and the current gas spat with neighbor Iran might be a case in point. Turkmenistan has either greatly reduced or suspended entirely — depending on which country you believe — supplies of gas to Iran. Each side has its own version of the problem. I’ll mention their claims later; that is not so much the issue in this article. The audience they are trying to reach to tell their respective sides of the story, and in Turkmenistan’s case those being kept in the dark, is the focus of this work. First, some necessary background. Turkmenistan’s first post-independence president, Saparmurat Niyazov, was the architect of the policy of neutrality in the early 1990s. The policy was never articulated very clearly, and to this day it remains vague; but essentially it meant Turkmenistan would not take sides in anyone else’s conflicts; nor would it join any alliances, excepting multinational economic organizations, but would act as a mediator or at least offer its territory as a neutral venue for feuding parties to meet and try to resolve their problems. A benefit of this policy, in theory, was that by courting good ties with all, neutrality would be a shield for the country, since no outside party would have any reason to be upset or angry with Turkmenistan. That’s what the Turkmen government has told its people for more than 20 years. Now to the current Turkmen-Iran dispute. ‘Inflated’ Prices Starting in the last days of December, Iranian news agencies including Mehr, IRNA, ISNA, Fars, Shana, and Press TV, cited various government officials and representatives of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) explaining the problems with Turkmenistan. The general picture these officials and the media painted was that Turkmenistan was demanding payment for gas supplies in 2007-08, when Ashgabat used a freezing winter in northern Iran to demand nine times the previous price for gas. In any case, the price Turkmenistan was now demanding was incorrect and inflated. On New Year’s Eve, Iranian news agencies reported an 11th-hour deal was reached and there would be no cutoff, a new five-year agreement had been reached, and the issue of the debt would be discussed and resolved in the coming months. Hours later, Iranian media reported Turkmenistan had “suddenly” suspended gas supplies to Iran. Iran’s Tasnim news agency interviewed NIGC spokesman Majod Bourjarzadeh, who said Turkmenistan had “reneged on the promise” and cut off gas supplies and that Turkmen officials “had gone on New Year’ holidays” and could not be reached. ‘Unreliable Partner’ The new Iranian media narrative has followed Bourjarzadeh’s lead, and reports now have officials calling Turkmenistan an “unreliable partner” and generally blaming Ashgabat for the entire situation. Turkmenistan did not respond until January 3, when the Foreign Ministry released a statement on its website calling reports in Iranian media “misleading” and saying the NIGC had “not made sufficient effort since 2013 to pay off its debt.” The ministry also claimed that during 2016 “the Iranian side was officially repeatedly informed of the adverse situation…and possible cuts in Turkmen natural gas supplies.” The Turkmen statement says Ashgabat was forced to “limit” supplies, not halt them. There is no mention of the amount of Iran’s debt. The NIGC’s response that same day, widely cited by Iranian media, said Turkmenistan had “time and again” violated the terms of gas agreement but had still been “compensated” by Iran. The NIGC also vowed to take the matter to international arbitration. Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry responded once more on January 4, surprising many by revealing, at least according to the ministry, that Iran signed a “take or pay” contract for gas, that “the NIGC hasn’t taken large volumes of the Turkmen gas for several years,” and “at the same time, the company didn’t pay any financial compensation to Turkmenistan.” So Turkmenistan is essentially demanding payment for gas Iran never received but said it would buy. Tehran’s version of the dispute with Turkmenistan is being disseminated by Iranian state media to the public. But the government in “neutral” Turkmenistan can’t tell its people because such a narrative runs contrary to the philosophy of positive neutrality. Turkmenistan’s state media (the only media in the country) have not mentioned the problems with Iran. The statements from the Foreign Ministry, posted on the ministry’s website, are unlikely to seen by Turkmenistan’s citizens, who have limited opportunities to access the Internet and are unlikely to use such possibilities as exist to check their government’s websites. Caged In Turkmen authorities have been telling the country’s citizens for two decades that neutrality would make everyone their friend. Having to admit publicly that there has been a rift with a neighbor and partner Turkmen media has praised since the early 1990s would be difficult to explain. Turkmen authorities have caged themselves in. Positive neutrality might be a means to avoid making enemies, but clearly it cannot resolve problems in which Turkmenistan itself is involved. This is not the first example either. Neutrality failed to resolve a gas dispute with Russia in 2008 and 2009, and today Russia does not purchase any gas from Turkmenistan. Neutrality has not prevented security problems across the border in northern Afghanistan from affecting the situation in Turkmenistan, one example being the sudden and unprecedented need to build up the military and spend state funds on massive amounts of new equipment. But neutrality does make it impossible for the government to tell the people bad news that involves Turkmenistan, and this situation with Iran is just the latest example. Iranian media have reported that power is being rerouted to alleviate the situation in northeastern Iran. Some officials go so far as to say that Iran can totally compensate for the power being lost due to the “suspension” of Turkmen gas supplies. This episode has given new impetus to projects already under way to provide northeastern Iran with domestic sources of power, ending forever the need to buy gas from Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has only two customers for its gas: Iran and China. And Turkmenistan might have just lost Iran as a customer, but that can’t be explained by neutrality, so the Turkmen government can’t tell its people about it. RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, and my colleague and Iranian specialist Golnaz Esfandiari contributed to this report. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Obama, In Farewell Address, Hails America’s Strength, Rues Divisions U.S. President Barack Obama, in a farewell address on January 10, said he leaves the nation stronger than before, but that Americans must work to overcome deep divisions that threaten to unravel America’s unity of purpose and power. Obama hailed his nuclear deal with Iran, the opening to Cuba, the slaying of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and the revival of the American economy in listing his greatest achievements and said he had accomplished more during his eight years in office than even his supporters thought possible. “By almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than when we started,” he said. “We remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation,” Obama said, but he outlined what he sees as significant threats that future presidents and citizens will need to address. Obama cited the rising rejection of immigrants as a threat, pointing out that America from the start has been a nation of immigrants and draws much of its economic and cultural strength from the mix of races and nationalities that have merged within its borders. “Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours,” Obama said, speaking from the city of Chicago, where he launched his political career. “But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of the people.” Divisions caused by “a shrinking world, growing inequality, demographic change, and the specter of terrorism” now threaten U.S. democracy, which requires “a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one,” he said. Obama called on Americans to work individually as well as through the government and other organizations to fight the “corrosive” trends toward division, isolation, and discrimination against those who look and think differently from themselves. “I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic as we are,” he said. And he frankly addressed white Americans and the issue of racism, saying “those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America’s workforce” and should be embraced and accepted. Obama said the internal divisions of society and the acrimony of political debate today represent threats as great as any external threats from terrorists or dictators overseas. “So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid. [Islamic State] will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world unless we give up what we stand for and turn into just another nation that bullies smaller neighbors,” Obama said. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc The Head of State signs a Decree on the Working Group for reauthorization of governmental departments The Working Group will be headed by Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan. It is composed of representatives of the Parliament, the Government, the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan and other state bodies as well as representatives of the legal community and the scientific and expert community. Source: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Meeting with “Baiterek” National Holding Board Chairman Yerbolat Dosayev During the meeting the Head of State was presented a report on the activity results of the holding company for 2016 and a vision of its future development. In his report E.Dosayev noted that the preliminary figures indicate the excess of the company’s assets by 4 trillion 100 billion tenge, and the net profit amounts to 30 billion tenge. Also the “Baiterek” National Holding Board Chairman informed the President on the work of “Development Bank of Kazakhstan “JSC and the plans for changes in the holding company’s development strategy, taking into account the economic situation in the country and the National Bank’s new monetary policy. Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized the company’s part in implementation of important projects for the country’s economy. – The original task of the holding had been financing of large-scale projects. But during the downfall in the economy “Baiterek” had been given a wide variety of additional orders. In that connection currently it is necessary to define the strategic outlook of its further activity, the President of Kazakhstan said. Following the meeting the Head of State has given a number of specific instructions. Source: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc New Astana railway station to be commissioned in May 2017 The First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin chaired today a retreat meeting focused on constructing the new Astana railway station and developing the railway junction. According to the head of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy K.Alpysbayev, the works are completed by 80% as for today. Completed by now works include concrete works, metal frame building, roofing, cladding facades of the heated part of the building, central heating. The approach railway overpass has now the installed metal spans; bearings and metal structures of soundproofing screen are soon to be mounted, the top of the device path is being installed. Installation and commissioning of elevators and escalators in the station building, landscaping and finishing works will be completed by May 1, 2017. Deputy akim of Astana K.Aitmukhametov reported on constructing the roads and engineering services in the area of new railway station. Among the reporting were also the heads of subcontract organizations on construction and installation works, activities of new railway stations operation service. Construction of the station with capacity of 35,000 passengers a day involves about 1,150 people. Closing the meeting, the First Deputy Prime Minister A.Mamin gave a number of specific instructions on the construction works. He stressed the importance of timely commissioning on the threshold of EXPO 2017. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Policy address by President of Kazakhstan presented at UN Security Council debates January 10, 2017, Kazakhstan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the first time participated in its open debate on “Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping”. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov presented the policy address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev on “Kazakhstans Concept Vision on Sustaining Global Partnership for Secure, Just and Prosperous World.” Participating in the meeting in New York were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers of Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Japan, permanent representatives of Russia, China, the United States to the UN and other UN Member States. The Security Council Members and representatives of a wide range of the UN countries stated their national priorities in conflict prevention and peacekeeping and expressed support for the work of new Secretary-General on the priority areas of the international organization. In the course of the debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan presented the policy address by the Head of State to mark the beginning of Kazakhstans term as non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2017-2018. K.Abdrakhmanov emphasized that the address was based on the Manifesto of the Head of State “The World. The 21st Century” of March 31, 2016, and developed it creatively. As is known, Presidents policy document, presented at IV Nuclear Security Summit, focuses on the need for joint efforts and cooperation to strengthen international peace and security and sets a goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons by the UNs 100th anniversary, as well as eliminating the threat of wars and conflicts while ensuring the strong connection between peace, security and development. As noted in the address, “Kazakhstan will work in a balanced and unbiased manner on the Councils entire agenda keeping in mind the paramount importance of maintaining and strengthening peace and security.” According to the President N.Nazarbayev, Astana intends “to work on an equal basis with all Security Council Members to promote compromise and consensus to strengthen international peace and security”. In this regard, the address identifies Kazakhstans priorities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. They include building a nuclear-weapon-free world, eliminating the threat of a global war, promoting peace in Afghanistan, creating a regional peace zone in Central Asia, elaborating Astana Code of Conduct for International Anti-Terrorist Operations within the framework of efforts on creating Global Antiterrorist Coalition (network) under the auspices of the United Nations, fostering peace in Africa, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the strong connection between peace, security and development, adapting the United Nations to the needs of the 21st century and holding regular Security Council meetings at the level of Heads of State and Government in order to strengthen the collective political will to address global challenges. As the Head of State highlighted in the address, “Kazakhstan counts on support from partners for its initiatives which have the important goal of making the world in the 21st century safer, fairer and more prosperous”. The Kazakhstan side also drew attention of the debaters to the importance of joint efforts in preventing diplomacy, promoting confidence-building measures, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conflict resolution and combating international terrorism. Kazakhstan reiterated again the readiness to provide a platform for the negotiations in Astana to establish peace in Syria. The address by the President of Kazakhstan was commended by the meeting participants; moreover, it was decided to register it as an official document of the UN Security Council. The foreign ministers visit program also included meeting with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where the sides discussed topical issues of Astanas membership in the Security Council and the comprehensive agenda of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States, including attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc Deputy mayor of Astana K.Aitmukhametov reported on the progress of road construction and engineering services in the area of the new railway station of the capital,. ? Kazakhstan proposes to hold regular Head-of-State-level UN Security Council meetings On Kazakhstans proposal to hold once or twice a year the meetings of UN Security Council at the level of the Heads of State and Government Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev informed at the CCS briefing. “Kazakhstan has for the first time taken part in the open debate of UN Security Council on “Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping” held in New York, where has been presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The Minister presented the policy address by President N. Nazarbayev “Kazakhstans Concept Vision on Sustaining Global Partnership for Secure, Just and Prosperous World,” Y.Ashikbayev said. The policy address identified seven Kazakhstans priorities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. They include building a nuclear-weapon-free world, eliminating the threat of a global war, creating in the Central Asia a regional zone of peace, safety, cooperation and development, combatting international terrorism and violent extremism, fostering peace in Africa, joint efforts in eliminating the threat of wars and conflicts, human protection and promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, combatting climate change, expanding cooperation between the regional organizations of collective security in Europe and America, Asia and Africa. Y.Ashikbayev also informed on the proposal to hold regular Security Council meetings at the level of Heads of State and Government, which was commended by the meeting participants. Source: Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zczc The new railway station in Astana to be commissioned in May 2017 ________________________________________ All rights reserved. Any use of the materials published on www.primeminister.kz for any purpose except personal needs is possible only with placing a hyperlink to the primeminister.kz website as the source. Reproducing primeminister.kz materials: – in print or other forms of tangible media – paper, film, etc., the user must quote www.primeminister.kz as the source in each case; – in the Internet or other electronic forms, the user must place a hyperlink to the website of the Prime Minister of the RK – www.primeminister.kz. The head of JSC “NC”Kazakhstan Temir Zholy “K.Alpysbayev reported on the implementation of these projects. He said that the readiness of the railway station and railway junction Astana is 80% for today. Currently, concrete works, metal frame building device, roofing, cladding facades of the heated part of the building, running central heating have been fully completed. Metal spans device on the approach of the railway viaduct was completed; the installation of bearings and metal structures of soundproofing screen at the stage of completion; the top structure of the device path is under construction. 90% of the station plating cornices was completed, works on the facades of the unheated station, installation of ventilation systems, external power supply will be finished soon. Finishing work inside the station building is in full swing. It is planned to complete the installation and commissioning of elevators and escalators in the station, landscaping and landscaping by May 1, 2017. Source: The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Zczc The political appeal of the President of Kazakhstan presented at the UN Security Council’s debate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov presented the political appeal of Pthe resident Nursultan Nazarbayev “Kazakhstan’s conceptual vision of strengthening the global partnership for building a safe, just and prosperous world.” The event in New York was attended by UN Guterres Secretary-General, the foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers of Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Ethiopia, Great Britain and Japan, the Permanent Representatives to the UN, Russia, China, United States and other UN member states. The members of the Security Council and representatives of a wide range of UN member states expressed their national priorities in the areas of conflict prevention and peace preservation and supported the work of the new Secretary General to these priority areas of the worldwide organization. During the debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced the political appeal of Head of State on the occasion of the start of Kazakhstan’s authority as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2017-2018. ________________________________________ All rights reserved. Any use of the materials published on www.primeminister.kz for any purpose except personal needs is possible only with placing a hyperlink to the primeminister.kz website as the source. Reproducing primeminister.kz materials: – in print or other forms of tangible media – paper, film, etc., the user must quote www.primeminister.kz as the source in each case; – in the Internet or other electronic forms, the user must place a hyperlink to the website of the Prime Minister of the RK – www.primeminister.kz. Source: The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Zczc Ethno-festival to be held during Universiade in Almaty In honor of the 28th World Winter Universiade in 2017, in the period from January 20 to February 10 theaters, concert halls, museums and libraries, the sports facilities of the city will hold cultural events. The most extensive program will be presented by the city theaters: State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Abai and the State Academic Russian Drama Theatre named after M. Lermontov. There will be an evening of organ music led by Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan G. Nesipbaev at the Kazakh State Philharmonic named after Zhambyl; the concert of the State Brass Orchestra of Kazakhstan by winners of international competitions Zhanar Suleymanova, Amir Bisengaliyev and others. The “Alatau” theater will open an ethno-festival “Alatau alabynda” on January 29. It is planned to install the pavilions, a yurt, to hold an exhibition of artisans and present to the national cuisine. Libraries and museums will host exhibitions, a virtual slide travel, sport events, as well as meetings with representatives of the athletes and the sports industry. The exhibitions and master classes: “Children unite the world” (Halyk Arena, Almaty Arena, the Palace of Sports named after Baluan Sholak, square in front of the Palace of the Republic); “Creativity unites the world” (Halyk Arena, Arena Almaty); retrospective and open-air exhibition of works “Sport unites the world” (in all sports facilities); “Moments of the Universiade” (Universiade objects, New Almaty Museum). Daily concerts of traditional music will be performed in “Alatau” theater. The special circus program devoted to the 28th World Winter Universiade 2017 will be held from January 29 to February 8 at the Kazakh State Circus, and on February 10 the Palace of the Republic will host a concert “Zhan Dosim” dedicated to Honored creativity of the Kazakh culture figure Seydolla Baiterekov. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Astana-Shchuchinsk toll road collected kzt 1, 251 bn in 2016 The national company noted that it was planned to collect 1 billion 144 million tenge. The target was exceeded by 107 million tenge. All funds raised were directed to the content of the site and the modernization of toll collection systems. Total traffic volume of vehicles amounted to 2.697 million units in 2016. In comparison with 2015, the intensity of the flow increased by 4.3%. The main expenditure of the Directorate of toll roads goes to the purchase of materials, wages, spare parts, fuel, depreciation, services and repair of machines and equipment. As for the maintenance and repair in 2016 the roads were repaired at 1 billion 165 million tenge. Of these, the maintenance charging system – 278 million 935 thousand tenge, the maintenance and repair of roads – 886 724 552 tenge. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Contests for fashion designers sewing for disabled to be held in Kazakhstan – Khudova Association of Light Industry Enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan started the project “Adaptive Clothing and Shoes” – domestic designed and made clothes for people with disabilities”, – said L. Khudova. As she explained, Kazakhstan has no experience of mass production of clothing for people with disabilities. “Specially designed clothes are necessary for people using a wheelchair, having cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, survived the amputation, people of small stature, the blind and visually impaired people, elderly people and everybody who is limited in mobility”, – said the President of the Association of Light industry enterprises. These products for people with disabilities are made of soft, elastic knitted fabric material ensuring comfort, convenient movement. It is also designed using special parts and assemblies for easy dressing and removal of clothing. She noted that in the framework of the signed Memorandum of Cooperation, it is also planned to develop and hold the exhibitions and fairs and festival activities. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Shymkent refinery produced more than 1 mln tons of gasoline in 2016 As “NC “KazMunayGas” JSC reports, in 2016 it was planned to process 4,444,623 tons. The target exceed amounted to 101.28%. For comparison, in 2015, the PKOP LLP processed 4,493,312 tons of crude oil. 1,032,015 tons of motor gasoline was produced, it is 103.26% of the plan, diesel fuel – 1,203,445 tons, it is 101.16% of the targets. “PetroKazakhstan Oil Products” LLP increased the efficiency of production processes in 2016 in order to increase the produced light oil. It should also be noted that non-stop primary production at the plant is actively continuing work to implement the modernization and reconstruction of new factory production lines. ? Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc ? Prices for construction materials grew by 1.7% in 2016 Over the last year, the price index for construction and assembly work amounted to 104.6%, machinery and equipment – 103.4%, other works and costs – 105.8%. There is an increase in prices for materials, components and structures acquired by construction companies – 1.7% over 2016 year. Prices for flat glass increased by 21%, sheet steel – by 10.7%, gravel – by 6.3%, the paint and enamel – by 6.1%, bitumen – by 3.2%, gravel – on 2.9%, linoleum – by 2.6%, timber – by 2.1%, Portland cement – by 1.5%. At the same time, rubber and plastic products have become cheaper by 12.8%, gypsum – by 2.1%, brick – by 1.2%, the cables and concrete goods – by 1.1%. Source: Kazakhstan 2050 Zczc Date Set For High-Profile Trial Of Kazakh Journalist ASTANA — A Kazakh court has set a date for the high-profile trial of a well-known journalist charged with extorting money from officials. The court in Astana ruled on January 11 that Bigeldy Gabdullin will go on trial on January 17. Gabdullin pleaded guilty at the preliminary hearing on January 11, saying he regretted his deeds. His lawyer Amanzhol Mukhamedyarov asked the judge to drop the charges against his client, saying that he had paid more than $60,000 to the victims. Judge Baghlan Idrisov rejected the request. Gabdullin was arrested in mid-November and charged with extorting cash from state officials by publishing materials damaging their reputations. Gabdullin, 61, became known in the 1990s for his critical articles about President Nursultan Nazarbaev. In the early 2000s, he had to flee the country for the United States in fear for his life. In 2004, Gabdullin changed his political views and returned to Kazakhstan, where he became the editor in chief of the pro-government Central Asia Monitor newspaper. He also founded the Radiotochka.kz online news portal. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Tajikistan Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Participation and speech of Ambassador of Tajikistan to China at the gala event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries On January 10, 2017, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to China P.Davlatzoda participated and made a speech at the gala and culture event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between People Republic of China and Central Asian countries, which was organized by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in government house “Diaoyutai” of Beijing. At the opening ceremony of the event the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the People’s political consultative Council of PRC Mr.Luo Fuhe, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Ms.Lee Syaoling and ambassadors of Central Asian countries in China made a speech. Source: Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Zczc Meeting of the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan with the Chairman of the Council of Research in Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan On January 10, 2017 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Sherali Jononov has met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Professor Muhammad Ashraf, during which the issues related with efficient water resources management have been discussed. Professor Muhammad Ashraf stated that Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly, initiated by the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon. It was noted that the initiative will contribute to the development of water diplomacy and serve as a solid basis for solving the issues of water resources management in the globalized world. The parties have also expressed readiness for strengthening cooperation aimed at adoption of joint efforts for the implementation of the decade. Source: Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Zczc New appointments Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has made new appointments in Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. In accordance with the decrees of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Mirsaidova Dilorom Amonovna in connection with transfer to another job was relieved of her post as Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and instead of her, Langari Jamila Salmon was appointed Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Source: President of Republic of Tajikistan Zczc President Emomali Rahmon Makes New Appointments DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has made new appointments in Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. In accordance with the decrees of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Mirsaidova Dilorom Amonovna in connection with transfer to another job was relieved of her post as Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan,and instead of her, Langari Jamila Salmon was appointed Head of the Main Archive Department under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. : National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Tajikistan Ambassador to China attended gala event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries ? DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.Ambassador of Tajikistan to China Parviz Davlatzoda participated and made a speech at the gala and culture event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between People Republic of China and Central Asian countries on January 10, MFA Information Department reports. According to the message of the ministry, at the opening ceremony of the event the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the People’s political consultative Council of PRC Mr. Luo Fuhe, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Ms. Lee Syaoling and ambassadors of Central Asian countries in China made a speech. The event was organized by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in government house “Diaoyutai” of Beijing. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.”Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the Resolution entitled “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028″ by the UN General Assembly, initiated by the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon” – it was stated by the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Professor Muhammad Ashraf at his meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Sherali Jononov, on Tuesday January 10. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the MFA Information Department. “During the meeting Professor Muhammad Ashraf has also noted that the initiative will contribute to the development of water diplomacy and serve as a solid basis for solving the issues of water resources management in the globalized world”, – says the message of the ministry. It is reported that the parties have also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation aimed at adoption of joint efforts for the implementation of the decade. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Kazakhstan confirmed readiness to host Syria peace talks DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/.Kazakhstan confirms its readiness to host the talks on the Syrian settlement in Astana, the country’s Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov said during the open debate in the UN Security Council on Tuesday. It was reported by TASS citing the statement of the Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry “Once again the Kazakh leadership’s readiness was confirmed to provide a venue for talks in Astana on establishing peace in Syria,” the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The talks on Syria in Astana are scheduled to be held on January 23. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc Kerry to make final foreign trip as U.S. Secretary of State DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. John Kerry will make his final foreign trip as U.S. Secretary of State on January 13-18, 2017. In particular within his trip he will travel to Vietnam, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, according to the statement of U.S. Department of State. “On January 13, Kerry will travel to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam, where he will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. The next day Secretary Kerry will arrive in Southern of Vietnam to discuss environmental issues and governance management”, – says statement of U.S. Department of State. It is reported that on January 15, U.S. Secretary of State Kerry will visit Paris to attend a conference on Middle East peace, hosted by French President Francois Hollande. “The Secretary will then travel to London, United Kingdom, on January 16, where he will meet with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. They will discuss the situation in Syria and other global and regional issues”, – adds the statement. Also it is stated that on January 17-18, Secretary Kerry will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF is one of the largest annual gatherings of global leaders in politics, business, and civil society. Recall that Kerry to resign on January 20 together with the administration of President Barack Obama. Source: National information agency of Tajikistan Zczc FIFA approves new 48-team format for World Cups starting 2026 DUSHANBE, 11.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The FIFA Council unanimously approved at its session on Tuesday in Zurich a new format of participants in the quadrennial World Cup tournaments increasing the number of the national teams from the current number of 32 up to a total of 48. The new format of participation comes into force staring with the 2026 world football championship and stipulates a total of 16 groups with three national teams in each competing for the World Cup trophy TASS reports citing an official statement of FIFA. “World football’s supervisory and strategic body held its third meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 9 and 10 January, and decided on a new tournament format with the 48 national teams split into 16 groups of three,” according to an official statement from FIFA. “The top two teams from each group will then advance to a 32-team knockout stage,” the statement said. “The new 48-team competition format has been drawn up in such a way that there is no reduction in the overall number of rest days and a guaranteed maximum of seven matches for the teams reaching the final, while the current 32-day tournament duration is kept, so as not to increase the length of time for which clubs have to release their players.” The initiative to enlarge the participating format was voiced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino a year ago during his election campaign, but he initially proposed the number of 40 national teams. The next two World Cups, which will be held in 2018 in Russia and in 2022 in Qatar, will be organized in line with the previous FIFA regulations stipulating a participating format of 32 national teams. iran Tillerson Backs ‘Full Review’ Of Iran Nuclear Deal ? U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state says he supports a “full review” of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which the incoming president has previously pledged to renegotiate or scrap altogether. Former ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson said during a January 11 confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he would recommend such a review if he is confirmed as Trump’s secretary of state. Trump has been a vocal opponent of the accord, which curbs Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting crippling international sanctions against Tehran. During his campaign, Trump called it a “terrible” deal that only benefited Tehran and that he would “tear it up” if elected. However, he has since said that it would be hard to destroy a deal enshrined in a UN resolution. Tillerson did not reject the deal outright during his testimony, saying he supported tighter monitoring to guarantee that Tehran does not violate the deal. “We need…to examine our ability to clarify whether Iran is complying,” Tillerson told lawmakers. Outgoing President Barack Obama considers the deal one of the hallmark achievements of his eight years in office. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc IranAir Takes Delivery Of First Airbus Passenger Jet The head of IranAir has taken delivery in France of the first Western airliner under an international sanctions deal. The 189-seat A321 was handed over in a January 11 ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. “It’s a new, magnificent chapter and a great day” for ties between Iran and Europe, IranAir Chief Executive Officer Farhad Parvaresh said. Fabrice Bregier, who runs the European planemaker’s jetliner arm, said the “renaissance of Iran aviation sector is one of the most important developments for our industry for many years.” Iran’s flag carrier plans to mark the arrival of its aircraft in Tehran with a ceremony on January 12. The plane is the first of 100 ordered from Airbus following a deal reached in 2015 between Tehran and world powers to lift sanctions against Iran in return for curbs on the country’s nuclear activities. The airline has also ordered 80 aircraft from Boeing. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Iran Officials Vow To Look Into Public’s ‘Jamming’ Fears Officials in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz have pledged to look into suggestions of a link between public health risks and the jamming of communications in the area, after residents took to the streets to complain of ailments that could stem from technology used to block foreign broadcasts. Authorities have acknowledged in the past that jamming takes place in Iran, but no official has ever come forward to assume responsibility for the practice. The officials in Shiraz offered their assurances at a January 9 gathering where dozens of citizens called for action against jamming, which they suspect of causing health problems such as headaches and even cancer. “Jamming is betrayal of the people,” some chanted. Others argued that good health is their “inalienable right.” On January 9, Fars Province Deputy Governor Hadi Pazhuheshi Jahromi said that “because the health of Shiraz’s citizens is of high importance to us,” Shiraz University and its medical-sciences staff have been asked to conduct research on the extent of jamming in the city and its possible impact on public health. Some jamming technology disrupts wireless signals like satellite transmissions or WiFi through the use of electromagnetic currents, which are sometimes blamed by the public for a number of health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded based on scientific literature that “current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields.” ‘Links To Cancer, Infertility’ Recently published conclusions from Shiraz University appear to have contributed to the local concerns, linking electromagnetic currents to cancer, infertility, and immunological disorders. “We are with you, and we promise that we will review the issue of jamming in a precise and scientific manner,” Ayatollah Razmjoo, an adviser to Fars’s governor and the head of the governorate’s international PR office, said, adding, “The issue of jamming has nothing to do with the government.” The health concerns have gained momentum from Persian-language social media posts that claimed the jamming signals had become exponentially stronger, and cited disruptions in mobile communications and television signals in the area. Ali Akbari, a lawmaker from Shiraz, told parliament in an open session earlier this month that the spread of headaches — particularly in the west of the city — has prompted concerns. Akbari complained that no officials were ready to take responsibility for the problems. “Neither the interior minister, the communications minister, nor the health minister is giving a clear answer in this regard, and the jamming signals are spreading headaches and disrupting the mobile network, television, and [creating] environmental problems,” Akbari was quoted as saying by domestic media on January 3. Last month, Deputy Governor Jahromi reportedly dismissed talk of potentially hazardous jamming as “rumors” and urged citizens to ignore it. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union has asserted the duty of states to confront the possible risks to the public of electromagnetic fields, including jamming. As a purportedly heavy user of jamming to combat Western influence and news and other information, Iran has confronted public concerns in the past about its potential impact on health. The Iran Meteorological Organization in 2014 took public its own complaint that jamming devices had crippled its forecasting ability ahead of a deadly dust storm that struck Tehran. Lack Of Clarity Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi said in 2014 that a committee was looking into whether jamming indeed posed a health threat. He also cited widespread “rumors” about jamming’s effects and its consequences on people’s health, adding that “most of the rumors have no scientific basis.” It is unclear whether such a committee issued any findings or even concluded its research. A lack of clarity from Iranian officials would complicate efforts to determine health risks, as experts would need to know the method and extent of such jamming to make a determination. Ali Akbar Musavi, a U.S.-based rights activist and a former lawmaker who investigated jamming in Iran a decade ago, told RFE/RL in 2014 that at that time jamming centers were scattered in and around major cities and operated by “military bodies.” Musavi said Iran jammed satellite signals and used “local jamming,” deploying trucks in specific locations to interfere with reception at ground level. Jamming activities are said to intensify at politically sensitive times, as do campaigns to combat the widespread presence of illegal satellite dishes used to capture foreign news and entertainment broadcasts. Article 33 of a Citizens’ Rights Charter launched recently by President Hassan Rohani states that “Citizens have the right to freely and without discrimination enjoy access to and communicate and obtain information and knowledge from cyberspace.” It adds that the “imposition of any type of restriction (such as filtering, interference, speed reduction and network interruption) without explicit legal authority is prohibited.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Turkmenistan And The Neutrality Trap The Turkmen government has been proudly proclaiming its UN-recognized status as a neutral country for more than 20 years now. Ashgabat’s policy of “positive neutrality” is, since September 2016, even part of the country’s constitution. But the policy is not always positive for Turkmenistan, and the current gas spat with neighbor Iran might be a case in point. Turkmenistan has either greatly reduced or suspended entirely — depending on which country you believe — supplies of gas to Iran. Each side has its own version of the problem. I’ll mention their claims later; that is not so much the issue in this article. The audience they are trying to reach to tell their respective sides of the story, and in Turkmenistan’s case those being kept in the dark, is the focus of this work. First, some necessary background. Turkmenistan’s first post-independence president, Saparmurat Niyazov, was the architect of the policy of neutrality in the early 1990s. The policy was never articulated very clearly, and to this day it remains vague; but essentially it meant Turkmenistan would not take sides in anyone else’s conflicts; nor would it join any alliances, excepting multinational economic organizations, but would act as a mediator or at least offer its territory as a neutral venue for feuding parties to meet and try to resolve their problems. A benefit of this policy, in theory, was that by courting good ties with all, neutrality would be a shield for the country, since no outside party would have any reason to be upset or angry with Turkmenistan. That’s what the Turkmen government has told its people for more than 20 years. Now to the current Turkmen-Iran dispute. ‘Inflated’ Prices Starting in the last days of December, Iranian news agencies including Mehr, IRNA, ISNA, Fars, Shana, and Press TV, cited various government officials and representatives of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) explaining the problems with Turkmenistan. The general picture these officials and the media painted was that Turkmenistan was demanding payment for gas supplies in 2007-08, when Ashgabat used a freezing winter in northern Iran to demand nine times the previous price for gas. In any case, the price Turkmenistan was now demanding was incorrect and inflated. On New Year’s Eve, Iranian news agencies reported an 11th-hour deal was reached and there would be no cutoff, a new five-year agreement had been reached, and the issue of the debt would be discussed and resolved in the coming months. Hours later, Iranian media reported Turkmenistan had “suddenly” suspended gas supplies to Iran. Iran’s Tasnim news agency interviewed NIGC spokesman Majod Bourjarzadeh, who said Turkmenistan had “reneged on the promise” and cut off gas supplies and that Turkmen officials “had gone on New Year’ holidays” and could not be reached. ‘Unreliable Partner’ The new Iranian media narrative has followed Bourjarzadeh’s lead, and reports now have officials calling Turkmenistan an “unreliable partner” and generally blaming Ashgabat for the entire situation. Turkmenistan did not respond until January 3, when the Foreign Ministry released a statement on its website calling reports in Iranian media “misleading” and saying the NIGC had “not made sufficient effort since 2013 to pay off its debt.” The ministry also claimed that during 2016 “the Iranian side was officially repeatedly informed of the adverse situation…and possible cuts in Turkmen natural gas supplies.” The Turkmen statement says Ashgabat was forced to “limit” supplies, not halt them. There is no mention of the amount of Iran’s debt. The NIGC’s response that same day, widely cited by Iranian media, said Turkmenistan had “time and again” violated the terms of gas agreement but had still been “compensated” by Iran. The NIGC also vowed to take the matter to international arbitration. Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry responded once more on January 4, surprising many by revealing, at least according to the ministry, that Iran signed a “take or pay” contract for gas, that “the NIGC hasn’t taken large volumes of the Turkmen gas for several years,” and “at the same time, the company didn’t pay any financial compensation to Turkmenistan.” So Turkmenistan is essentially demanding payment for gas Iran never received but said it would buy. Tehran’s version of the dispute with Turkmenistan is being disseminated by Iranian state media to the public. But the government in “neutral” Turkmenistan can’t tell its people because such a narrative runs contrary to the philosophy of positive neutrality. Turkmenistan’s state media (the only media in the country) have not mentioned the problems with Iran. The statements from the Foreign Ministry, posted on the ministry’s website, are unlikely to seen by Turkmenistan’s citizens, who have limited opportunities to access the Internet and are unlikely to use such possibilities as exist to check their government’s websites. Caged In Turkmen authorities have been telling the country’s citizens for two decades that neutrality would make everyone their friend. Having to admit publicly that there has been a rift with a neighbor and partner Turkmen media has praised since the early 1990s would be difficult to explain. Turkmen authorities have caged themselves in. Positive neutrality might be a means to avoid making enemies, but clearly it cannot resolve problems in which Turkmenistan itself is involved. This is not the first example either. Neutrality failed to resolve a gas dispute with Russia in 2008 and 2009, and today Russia does not purchase any gas from Turkmenistan. Neutrality has not prevented security problems across the border in northern Afghanistan from affecting the situation in Turkmenistan, one example being the sudden and unprecedented need to build up the military and spend state funds on massive amounts of new equipment. But neutrality does make it impossible for the government to tell the people bad news that involves Turkmenistan, and this situation with Iran is just the latest example. Iranian media have reported that power is being rerouted to alleviate the situation in northeastern Iran. Some officials go so far as to say that Iran can totally compensate for the power being lost due to the “suspension” of Turkmen gas supplies. This episode has given new impetus to projects already under way to provide northeastern Iran with domestic sources of power, ending forever the need to buy gas from Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has only two customers for its gas: Iran and China. And Turkmenistan might have just lost Iran as a customer, but that can’t be explained by neutrality, so the Turkmen government can’t tell its people about it. RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, and my colleague and Iranian specialist Golnaz Esfandiari contributed to this report. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Nazarbaev Sets Kazakhstan’s Priorities As UN Security Council Member Kazakhstan will promote the interests of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia during its 2017-18 stint in the UN Security Council, President Nursultan Nazarbaev says. On January 1, Kazakhstan became the first of the five countries — which also include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — to hold a seat on the 15-nation council. Its permanent members are the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In an address to the council that was presented by Kazakh Foreign Ministry officials in New York on January 10, Nazarbaev said that his country will also initiate discussions on the restoration of peace in Afghanistan, which borders the region on the south. He said that Kazakhstan “is set for a strong contribution to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and other conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on the former Soviet space, deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and resolution of crises in Africa and Asia.” Nazarbaev hailed the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and vowed to support policies discouraging the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nazarbaev also said his country will offer to develop a “code of international antiterrorist operations that could form a basis for the creation of a global antiterrorist network.” Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Obama, In Farewell Address, Hails America’s Strength, Rues Divisions U.S. President Barack Obama, in a farewell address on January 10, said he leaves the nation stronger than before, but that Americans must work to overcome deep divisions that threaten to unravel America’s unity of purpose and power. Obama hailed his nuclear deal with Iran, the opening to Cuba, the slaying of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and the revival of the American economy in listing his greatest achievements and said he had accomplished more during his eight years in office than even his supporters thought possible. “By almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than when we started,” he said. “We remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation,” Obama said, but he outlined what he sees as significant threats that future presidents and citizens will need to address. Obama cited the rising rejection of immigrants as a threat, pointing out that America from the start has been a nation of immigrants and draws much of its economic and cultural strength from the mix of races and nationalities that have merged within its borders. “Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours,” Obama said, speaking from the city of Chicago, where he launched his political career. “But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of the people.” Divisions caused by “a shrinking world, growing inequality, demographic change, and the specter of terrorism” now threaten U.S. democracy, which requires “a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one,” he said. Obama called on Americans to work individually as well as through the government and other organizations to fight the “corrosive” trends toward division, isolation, and discrimination against those who look and think differently from themselves. “I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic as we are,” he said. And he frankly addressed white Americans and the issue of racism, saying “those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America’s workforce” and should be embraced and accepted. Obama said the internal divisions of society and the acrimony of political debate today represent threats as great as any external threats from terrorists or dictators overseas. “So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid. [Islamic State] will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world unless we give up what we stand for and turn into just another nation that bullies smaller neighbors,” Obama said. Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Zczc Tillerson Backs ‘Full Review’ Of Iran Nuclear Deal

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